Strong growth across key markets highlights sector resilience
Sri Lanka’s apparel industry posted a strong performance in April, overcoming ongoing tariff-related challenges to register a 15.14% year-on-year increase in export earnings, according to the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF).
This uptick was powered by robust demand from major markets. Exports to the European Union (excluding the UK) saw the highest growth, climbing 27.04%, followed by the United Kingdom at 7.45% and the United States at 6.83%. Shipments to other global destinations also experienced a notable 21.18% rise.
For the first four months of 2025, cumulative apparel exports reached $1.66 billion — a 12.4% increase compared to the same period last year. Regionally, exports to the EU rose by 18.13%, the US by 10.06%, and other markets by 13.56%, with the UK market recording a 6.26% growth.
Despite a challenging global trade environment, Sri Lanka’s apparel sector continues to demonstrate resilience and competitive strength, further solidified by consistent demand and diversified market outreach.